{"id":43772,"date":"2025-09-28T23:41:24","date_gmt":"2025-09-28T23:41:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/43772\/"},"modified":"2025-09-28T23:41:24","modified_gmt":"2025-09-28T23:41:24","slug":"7-outdated-lighting-trends-designers-say-to-avoid-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/43772\/","title":{"rendered":"7 outdated lighting trends designers say to avoid in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the saying goes, one day you\u2019re in and the next day you\u2019re out. That applies as much to jelly shoes and camo pants as it does to lighting trends<\/a>, a category designers see at both its best and its most regrettable every day.<\/p>\n

Most of us don\u2019t buy lighting to be ironic \u2013 we\u2019re hoping it adds atmosphere, maybe even a little magic. But even the most flattering glow can fall out of step with the culture, the mood, or the moment.<\/p>\n

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So you don\u2019t end up with the lighting idea<\/a> equivalent of a padded-shoulder power suit, Homes & Gardens tapped designers to weigh in on the fixtures that have lingered a little too long. Ahead, seven outdated lighting trends for 2026, you may want to dim.<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

1. Exposed Edison bulbs <\/p>\n

\n

\"Industrial\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Future)<\/p>\n

Exposed Edison bulb fixtures had their heyday in the late 2000s and early 2010s, but you still see evidence of this dated lighting trend around now, and designers say it’s time to leave it behind. \u2018Once charming, these now feel more like nostalgic cliches,\u2019 says Lumens<\/a> CMO Dana Gers.<\/p>\n

What began as a wink to history now reads as novelty. We\u2019re not in the late 1800s, after all. \u2018Exposed Edison bulbs and industrial pipe fixtures once carried the spirit of authenticity, but they\u2019ve become reductive,\u2019 Dana continues, \u2018and like one-note gestures rather than meaningful design.\u2019 Nostalgia has its place \u2013 design thrives on it \u2013 but this look has been done to death.<\/p>\n

For Edison loyalists, there\u2019s still a way forward. Dana points to Louis Poulsen\u2019s Aged Brass Collection<\/a>, developed in the 1920s by Poul Henningsen, which offers a similarly diffused, heritage-inspired glow.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Suki\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

West Elm<\/p>\n

Suki Alabaster Table Lamp (6″)<\/p>\n

The bulb may be hidden, but semi-translucent alabaster keeps the glow center stage in this softly streamlined table lamp. It\u2019s an easy companion deskside, as bedroom lighting<\/a>, or perched atop a stack of your most-treasured coffee table books.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Gibson\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Crate & Barrel<\/p>\n

Gibson Wood Hanging Arc Floor Lamp With White Shade 81″<\/p>\n

If it was the industrial suspension look that first pulled you toward Edison lights, this Crate & Barrel floor lamp delivers the same tension with a curved arched silhouette and a dropdown linen shade. The bulb stays concealed, lending a softer, more forgiving glow.<\/p>\n

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\n

\"cb2\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

CB2<\/p>\n

Augustine 3-Bulb Glass Chandelier by Goop<\/p>\n

The orb light<\/a> trend is arguably the most literal descendant of the Edison. The focus remains on the bulb \u2013 only Thomas himself could never have imagined these impossibly sleek, milky glass globes that disguise their inner workings in such chic form.<\/p>\n

2. Mid-century Sputnik pendants <\/p>\n

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\"Bedroom\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Jan Baldwin)<\/p>\n

Think of the mid-century Sputnik pendant as the more polished, design-forward sister to the Edison bulb \u2013 both built on the same exposed principle, both now past their prime. Andrea Goldman, founder and principal of Illinois-based Andrea Goldman Design<\/a>, says even this icon has lost its luster.<\/p>\n

Design expertise in your inbox \u2013 from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.<\/p>\n

\u2018Lighting trends like the mid-century Sputnik pendants have had their moment!\u2019 insists Andrea. \u2018While the original design is a beautiful blend of both retro and futuristic style, it has been an easy lighting design to imitate at lower price points. Unfortunately, the commercial appeal has caused replicas to show up everywhere.\u2019 And once everyone has one \u2013 and they do \u2013 it may be time to move on.<\/p>\n

3. Brass overload<\/p>\n

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\"kitchen\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Future PLC)<\/p>\n

Brass is the costume jewelry of lighting right now \u2013 everywhere, shiny, and arguably a little too obvious. Designers aren\u2019t canceling it altogether, but in 2026 they\u2019re urging you to break the habit of reaching for brass as the default.<\/p>\n

\u2018Brass will always be a timeless, beautiful material, but we think its use might be a bit too omnipresent right now,\u2019 say Joshua Evan Goldfarb and Michael Edward Moriano, the founders of Evan Edward<\/a>, a New York and Miami-based interior design and architecture studio. \u2018We think it\u2019s time to mix things up and explore some different metal tones for a fresh look. If your heart is set brass, try burnished brass, antiqued brass, etc.!\u2019<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t banish the brass, tread carefully: the wrong finish will cheapen a room instantly. \u2018We\u2019d rather see a beautiful polished nickel than a bad (green or orange) brass,\u2019 note Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett of Kobel + Co<\/a>. Los Angeles-based designer Jessica Nicastro<\/a> echoes the sentiment: faux distressing reads fake. \u2018I\u2019d much rather see materials that patina naturally over time.\u2019<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Lulu\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Lulu and Georgia<\/p>\n

Savita Sconce<\/p>\n

Burnished finishes like this prove you won\u2019t miss run-of-the-mill brass for a second. This scalloped-edge sconce is artful and substantial, throwing a flattering glow that feels especially right flanking a bathroom vanity<\/a> mirror.<\/p>\n

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\n

\"Tennant\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

CB2<\/p>\n

Tennant Polished Nickel Pendant Light 24″<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a world of difference between basic silver and the polished nickel that designers Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett champion. Glossier, higher impact, and far more luxe, it\u2019s rare to find \u2013 but Ross Cassidy nails it here. A super-thin shade casts soft downward light, while a discreet diffuser keeps glare minimal, perfect for kitchen island lighting<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\n

\"The\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Anthropologie<\/p>\n

The Eloise Scallop Milk Glass Sconce Wall Light<\/p>\n

The trick with brass now is realism. Anthropologie\u2019s Eloise lighting, a perennial best seller, gets it right with a convincingly nuanced antique finish made all the more striking by fluted green milk glass. This living room wall lighting idea<\/a> is still on the accessible end compared to other, actually aged-looking options.<\/p>\n

4. Harsh industrial fixtures<\/p>\n

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\"An\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: BlueStar. Design: Bond Design Company)<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re noticing a theme, you\u2019re not wrong \u2013 a few of the looks on this list lean industrial, and that whole aesthetic is fading fast. Lumens CMO Dana Gers calls out the culprits as \u2018utilitarian pipes and raw metals,\u2019 which she says \u2018lack nuance.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Industrial fixtures were once bold design elements, but have now become dated and heavy,\u2019 adds JoAnnah Kornak, SVP & Executive Creative Director at Holly Hunt<\/a>. \u2018I could personally do without overly industrial fixtures,\u2019 she continues, \u2018they feel out of step with modern interiors.\u2019 The truth is, we\u2019ve moved on from industrial kitchens and loft-like living rooms, and the lighting needs to keep up.<\/p>\n

Even the newer takes \u2013 those severe, high-gloss cordless table lamps that once had a moment (and now live on Amazon) \u2013 are losing their appeal. \u2018Super high-gloss finishes, especially in stark whites or blacks, they just don\u2019t feel warm or timeless,\u2019 says Los Angeles designer Jessica Nicastro.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s next are pieces that keep the edge but add some elegance. Dana points to Lambert & Fils\u2019s Silo Atelier 03 LED Pendant<\/a>, and the Float Wide LED Pendant by Ladies and Gentlemen Studio<\/a>, both of which trade brute force for geometry, craftsmanship, and a more nuanced glow.<\/p>\n

5. Incorrect scale <\/p>\n

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\"Bathroom\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Future)<\/p>\n

\u2018Another outdated lighting trend we would love to retire is the incorrect use of scale with lighting selections,\u2019 says Illinois-based interior designer Andrea Goldman.<\/p>\n

The instinct is often to play it safe, but in 2026, bigger is better. \u2018Don\u2019t be afraid to go big with your lighting!\u2019 Goldman insists. \u2018Way too often, small pendants or undersized wall sconces are used in grand, large spaces. Selecting the right scale chandelier is just as important as choosing the correct size dining table for your space.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\n

\"Whipstitched\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Threshold\u2122 designed with Studio McGee<\/p>\n

Large Earthy Table Lamp with Whipstitch Shade <\/p>\n

At 18 inches tall and 17 wide, this round ceramic table lamp is anything but petite \u2013 and all the better for it. This Studio McGee x Target whipstitched<\/a> shade adds a subtle Southwestern note, giving it the sort of powerful presence that can ground an entire room.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Merve\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Anthropologie<\/p>\n

Merve Kahraman Large Floral Glass Chandelier<\/p>\n

If you love an oversized chandelier but don\u2019t quite have the space to make one of a massive scale work, this Merve Kahraman x Anthropologie lighting<\/a> fixture is the perfect compromise. It\u2019s 26 inches in diameter \u2013 the width of a medium-sized chandelier, but a whopping 48 inches tall, which gives it the illusion of being much larger than it is. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Gala\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Zuo Modern<\/p>\n

Gala Floor Lamp <\/p>\n

Standing 56 inches (roughly the height of an 11-year-old boy), this floor lamp more than holds its own. Big enough to command an empty corner, but not so oversized that it bullies your furniture. In other words: perfect proportions.<\/p>\n

6. Minimal ring pendants<\/p>\n

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\"LED\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: AllModern)<\/p>\n

There was a moment when slim silhouettes \u2013 from jewelry to shoulder straps \u2013 signaled cool. Midi rings were barely visible, and pendant lights followed suit with glowing circles suspended in space.<\/p>\n

\u2018Endlessly repeated, their novelty has worn thin,\u2019 says Lumens CMO Dana Gers. What once felt elegant has \u2018been reproduced so extensively that their impact has flattened.\u2019<\/p>\n

Now, designers are pushing the form further. Pieces like Lee Broom\u2019s Eclipse Chandelier<\/a> reimagine the circle as a layered, mirrored, jewelry-like sculpture \u2013 a move that feels far less reductive.<\/p>\n

7. Utility lighting<\/p>\n

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\"Grey\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Future \/ Emma Lewis)<\/p>\n

Task lighting belongs in garages and studios, not styled within arm\u2019s reach of your velvet sofa or cozy bed. In 2026, utilitarian fixtures are officially out of fashion.<\/p>\n

\u2018Lately, we\u2019ve noticed more lighting that feels better-suited for offices than bedrooms or living rooms,\u2019 say Joshua Evan Goldfarb and Michael Edward Moriano, the founders of Evan Edward. \u2018Let\u2019s leave the ultra-functional, three-arm desk lamps at the workplace where they belong and bring softness back to our homes!\u2019<\/p>\n

Be less practical, more playful. Opt for fabric-shaded pendants or sculptural fixtures that \u2013 unlike their soon-to-be-gone utilitarian buddies \u2013 could never be mistaken for an appliance. Lighting isn\u2019t just a tool; it\u2019s an accessory.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Paula\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Urban Outfitters<\/p>\n

Paula Paper Lantern Pendant Light<\/p>\n

Forget tactical task lighting \u2013 unless you\u2019re woodworking, who needs it? This folded paper lantern pendant is pure sculpture, more like jewelry for your ceiling. Hang it solo over a tiny table or cluster a few for maximum drama.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Scallop\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Urban Outfitters<\/p>\n

Scallop Flush Mount Conversion Kit<\/p>\n

Ugly, utilitarian ceiling light you can\u2019t stand? Skip the electrician. These UO Home flush-mount conversion kits are basically magic, and reviewers swear they\u2019re a breeze to install. They come in multiple patterns and colorways, including a dreamy botanical we\u2019re also eyeing.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Tov\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Tov Furniture <\/p>\n

Atolla Emerald Tassel Table Lamp<\/p>\n

While tassels and fringe might seem superfluous, they\u2019re exactly the kind of excess that makes a room compelling. No, these details don\u2019t improve the quality of light \u2013 but we’d argue that the drama they provide is non-negotiable. Think deco, regency, hotel-core, all rolled into one.<\/p>\n

The key takeaway is that many outdated lighting trends are ones that lean overly practical, too industrial, and almost clinical. Lighting for 2026 is about adding character and personality with creative designs that are soft and playful.<\/p>\n

As Lumens CMO Dana Gers notes, \u2018What we\u2019re seeing instead is a return to design that feels both innovative, human and emotive: pieces that honor heritage, celebrate craftsmanship, and bring nuance to form and material.’<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As the saying goes, one day you\u2019re in and the next day you\u2019re out. That applies as much…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":43773,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[437,434,435,436,438,146,85,46],"class_list":["post-43772","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-arts-and-design","tag-arts","tag-arts-and-design","tag-artsanddesign","tag-artsdesign","tag-design","tag-entertainment","tag-il","tag-israel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43772","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43772"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43772\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43773"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43772"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43772"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43772"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}